Cape Otway Lightstation Shines for International Lighthouse & Lightship Weekend

Aug 24, 2025 | News | 0 comments

Cape Otway Lightstation Shines for International Lighthouse & Lightship Weekend

August 16–17, 2025

After a five-year pause, Cape Otway Lightstation was proudly re-activated for this year’s International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend (ILLW) – and it was one of our best yet!

The annual event brings together amateur radio operators and lighthouse enthusiasts across the globe, celebrating maritime history while showcasing the enduring power of communication. This year, Cape Otway once again joined more than 500 lighthouses worldwide in transmitting signals across the airwaves.

Operating from the Historic Telegraph Station (built in 1859), radio operators Glenn Alford and Darrin Pearce set up an impressive station that became a highlight of the visitor experience. Guests were fascinated to hear live contacts being made with operators as far away as Europe and North America, sparking many conversations about the art of radio and its historic role in maritime safety.

 

Adding to the atmosphere, our guides delivered special history talks throughout the weekend, bringing to life the stories of lighthouse keepers, shipwrecks, and communication across Bass Strait. Visitors were treated to costumed interpretations, making history feel vivid and immediate against the dramatic backdrop of the Southern Ocean.

costumed guide

Despite wild winter weather on Friday night, the weekend offered excellent operating conditions. The team noted the lighthouse’s open coastal setting and low background noise made for ideal radio transmissions — with plenty of space for antennas and a truly atmospheric backdrop.

A Global Connection

Along with the many other contacts made from Cape Otway, operators successfully reached lighthouses across Australia, New Zealand, and Europe. Each call was a reminder that our Lightstation is part of a worldwide community preserving maritime history.

Australia

  • Point Malcolm (AU0029) – VK5ARC

  • Cape Leeuwin (AU0008) – VK6CLL

  • Clarence Head (AU0013) – VK2GF

  • Lady Bay (AU0049) – VK3DX

  • Flagstaff Hill (AU0096) – VK3DX

  • Point Lowly (AU0021) – VK5BWR

  • Sugarloaf (AU0033) – VK2UGB

  • Sea Hill (AU0060) – VK4CQR

  • Cleveland (AU0014) – VK4BAR

  • Cape Jervis (AU0094) – VK5CJL

New Zealand

  • Karori Rock (NZ0017) – ZL2LH

  • Bean Rock (NZ0011) – ZM2MF

  • Cape Reinga (NZ0020) – ZL1PND

Europe

  • Nordborg, Denmark (DK0006) – OZ1NBG

  • Hammeren, Denmark (DK0015) – OZ4HAM

  • Cromwell Point, Ireland (IE0001) – EI1K

  • Oostende, Belgium (BE0008) – ON4RCO

  • Spurn Point High, England (UK0080) – GB2SL

  • Beg Leger, France (FR0039) – TM2LW

A Weekend to Remember

Beyond the technical side, the event was a celebration of community and heritage. Families explored the lighthouse precinct, joined the history talks, and enjoyed our famous homemade scones with jam & cream in the Lightkeepers Cafe.

We’d like to extend our thanks to Glenn and Darrin for their enthusiasm and dedication, to our guides for their engaging history talks, and to all the visitors who joined us to make ILLW 2025 a memorable celebration of history, technology, and connection.

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